Elizabeth Dulau, portraying character Andor, discusses a poignant scene between her character Kleya and Luthen, which Dulau describes as heartbreaking.
Catching Up with "Andor" Season 2: Kleya Marki's Heart-Wrenching Role and the Fascinating Backstory
For Tracy Brown, playing Kleya Marki in the much-anticipated season 2 of "Andor" wasn't just another acting gig. This character, with her radicalized past and resolute spirit, has a rich background that's more than meets the eye.
Kleya, the strong-willed rebel spy, finds herself at the center of a pivotal storyline in the final episodes of season 2. After Imperial intelligence officers uncover Luthen Rael's ties to the Rebellion, and he fails to take his own life, it's up to Kleya to finish one last task: delivering crucial information to the rebels on Yavin. To do this, she must infiltrate a heavily guarded hospital, heavily rely on her skills, and, ultimately, unplug Luthen from life support.
Beneath the Action Hero Facade
In conversation with writers, Tracy reveals that Tony Gilroy, the show's creator, didn't want Kleya to break down during this climactic scene. Instead, he wanted to convey the depth of the love and hate between Kleya and Luthen, a complex relationship built on a foundation of mutual survival and sacrifice.
To prepare for this scene, Tracy spent time daydreaming and visualizing key moments in Kleya and Luthen's lives. She tells emotional tales of friendship, betrayal, and love that shaped their relationship over the years, never losing sight of the fear and hatred Kleya harbored for Luthen due to the destruction of her community in his service to the Empire.
From Mystery to revealed
As the series progresses, Season 1's intriguing enigma Kleya finally starts to reveal her origins. The audience learns that she was just a child when she was found hiding on a ship during an Imperial assault. At the time, Luthen was known as Sergeant Lear, and he took her under his wing, shielding her from his commanding officers. He later adopted her as a surrogate daughter, raising her in a covert rebellion environment where she became a skilled operative and the core of Luthen's rebellion efforts.
Love-Hate Relationship Unveiled
The bond between Kleya and Luthen is fraught with tension, with Luthen feeling guilty for the hardships Kleya endured as a child and helping to shape her into a rebel. Over the years, their relationship grew into something more complex, a connection that proved essential to the rebellion's operations. This dynamic is exemplified in Episode 10, where Kleya ultimately puts an end to Luthen's life to prevent him from being captured by the Empire.
Kleya's Relationships
While Kleya is a tough character who prioritizes the Rebellion above all else, there are a few relationships that challenge her. Her connection with Vel is particularly noteworthy, as Vel's passion for joy and vulnerability grates on Kleya. Kleya finds it difficult to comprehend why anyone would choose to expose themselves to such risks.
Beyond "Andor"
Tracy Brown's performance as Kleya Marki in "Andor" marks her first acting job since graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Since then, she has been cast in various shows, including "All the Light We Cannot See," "Gentleman Jack," and the upcoming "House of Guinness." Tracy shares her excitement about her character's journey and her small, yet significant place in the Star Wars universe.
[1] "Andor" Season 2 Summary and Analysis (Episodes 10-12) - IMDb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16474680/episodes)
[2] Luthen Rael & Kleya Marki: The Complex Relationship Explained (https://www.etonline.com/andor-season-2-luthen-rael-kleya-marki-relationship-meaning-explained-149380)
[3] Cassian Andor and Kleya Marki: An Exploration of Their Connections in "Andor" (https://www.slashfilm.com/976109/andor-cassian-andor-kleya-marki-connections/)
- Beginning her acting career post her graduation from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Tracy Brown found a significant role in the Star Wars universe, portraying Kleya Marki in the California-based television production, "Andor."
- As Kleya Marki's role in "Andor" unfolds, the Los Angeles-based series reveals the complex relationship she shares with Luthen Rael, a bond shaped by mutual survival, sacrifice, and a shared history that predates the Rebellion.
- Apart from her professional commitments, Kleya Marki also maintains a love-hate relationship with Vel, a character who challenges her black-and-white worldview with her passion for joy and vulnerability.
